THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD consider taxing heavy cars more, according to Ireland’s Just Transition Commission, which is charged with monitoring the fairness of climate action in the state.

The commission made eight key recommendations to reduce transport emissions and improve equality of access and affordability across communities in a new report.

One of the recommendations was that the role of weight-based car taxation be examined as part of a broader review of transport taxation for fairness.

“A review of car taxation presents an opportunity to ensure that the costs of the transition are shared more equitably, particularly by reflecting the wider societal impacts of larger and heavier vehicles,” the report said.

The commission also said gender and care-related mobility should be embedded in Ireland’s transport policy. This would include recognising “care-related journeys”, like driving to the hospital.

The commission said the government should create more targeted supports for electric vehicles and charging, including prioritising supports for low-income, high-mileage and car-dependent households.

A major recommendation was the prioritisation of sustainable transport modes like public transport and also improving accessibility and safety in public transport.

“Accessibility to bus and rail is a significant issue for people of all ages and ability,” it said.

The report outlined that Ireland’s transport sector is one of the country’s “most carbon intensive sectors”, with emissions having increased by 130% over the past 35 years due to a high reliance on private cars and road-based freight.

“Without action, traffic on our roads will lead to continued dependence on fossil fuels and dangerous levels of congestion that has both economic and health consequences for the country,” it said.